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Biomedical subjects

F Costa

Publications and source records attributed to F Costa.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Serum gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase isoforms in alcoholic liver disease.

gamma-Glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma GT) appears in serum in multiple forms; their significance and clinical utility in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases are still a matter of controversy. Electrophoretic separation of the multiple forms of gamma GT on agarose gel was performed in 20 alcoholic patients (six with cirrhosis and 14 with fatty liver) and the results compared with those obtained in 50 healthy volunteers, 43 patients affected with chronic hepatitis C, 36 patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis and in 52 epileptic patients on long-term anti-epileptic medication. Multiple forms of gamma GT were separated into several bands (up to 11), labelled 0a, 0b, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. In the alcoholic patients nine fractions were detected, and the electrophoretic pattern observed was significantly different from that observed in healthy volunteers and in patients with chronic hepatitis C or posthepatitic cirrhosis. No differences were observed in the electrophoretic patterns in the alcohol abusers and epileptic patients. In alcoholic patients significant differences were observed in the electrophoretic patterns in relation to the degree of liver injury; the electrophoretic patterns in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis and posthepatitic cirrhosis differed significantly. The separation of multiple forms of gamma GT has high sensitivity and good reproducibility. It may be proposed as a complementary test in the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease: a golgi study.

A cerebral biopsy of a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jacob (C-J) disease was examined with the Golgi method. Distortion of soma and neuronal processes associated with vacuolization of the neuropil was observed. The main findings were decreased numbers of basal dendrites and of branches of the apical dendrite of the pyramidal cells, marked loss of synaptic spines, and varicosities in the proximal segment of some apical and basal dendrites. These changes, though non-specific, may be interpreted as the result of deafferentation, although primary reactions related to C-J disease cannot be ruled out. These changes underline the intense disruption of intracortical connections which takes place in this condition in addition to the neuronal loss.

Biopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intestinal maturation in the rat: the role of enteral nutrients.

In order to investigate the role of enteral nutrients in intestinal maturation, an animal model was developed consisting of provision of intravenous nutrient infusions to immature suckling rats over the period of weaning. Age- and litter-matched controls were provided identical amounts of the parenteral solution by entered cannula using the same model. At the end of the period of weaning, animals were killed and the intestines removed for measurement of morphologic parameters and disaccharidase, DNA, and protein levels. The absence of enteral nutrients during weaning resulted in striking inhibition of intestinal growth, diminution in mucosal cell mass, and delayed development of lactase. Although the appearance of sucrase was not affected by the lack of enteral nutrients, sucrase levels rose to only one-third of control levels. Jejunoileal gradients were not present in animals deprived of enteral nutrients but were present in animals receiving enteral nutrients. These results are distinct from adult animals treated in identical experimental fashion and indicate that major parameters of intestinal maturation are altered by the absence of intraluminal nutrients. A critical role for intraluminal nutrients in regulation of intestinal development is therefore suggested. The animal model developed for these studies is well suited for investigation of the interactions of the intraluminal environment with intestinal maturation.

Amino Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Percutaneous maxillary nerve block anesthesia in maxillofacial surgery].

BACKGROUND: Personal experience in percutaneous maxillary nerve block anesthesia in association with transmucosal anesthesia of the sphenopalatine ganglion in oral and maxillofacial surgery, is presented. METHODS: Six Caldwell-Luc, 9 anthrotomies and biopsies of maxillary sinus, 8 removals of extensive odontogenic cysts and 12 surgical maxillary expansions were performed from 1994 to 1996 at our Department. Maxillary transcutaneous nerve block in association with transmucosal anesthesia of the sphenopalatine ganglion were performed. Carbocaine without adrenaline in association with NaCO3 1/10 for maxillary nerve block anesthesia and lidocaineoprilocaine cream (EMLA) for transmucosal anesthesia were employed. Intra- and post-operative pain were evaluated by visual analogue scale in all the patients. RESULTS: Anesthesiological procedures revealed to be effective in all surgical interventions and postoperative analgesia allowed easier pain control. CONCLUSIONS: The simplicity of execution, the effective pre- and postoperative anesthesia and the absence of side effects make this procedure particularly indicated in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Anesthesia, Dental↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A phase II trial of paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with advanced carcinoma of the esophagus.

PURPOSE: In a phase II trial of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil in metastatic esophageal cancer, we identified significant activity for the combination of agents, but there was severe associated toxicity. We therefore undertook a phase II trial of paclitaxel and cisplatin without fluorouracil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction were treated. No patient who underwent prior chemotherapy was allowed to take part in the study. The majority (33 patients) had adenocarcinoma, and most (36 patients, 95%) had metastatic disease. Paclitaxel, 200 to 250 mg/m2, was given by 24-hour infusion on day 1, followed by cisplatin, 75 mg/m2, on day 2, with granulocyte colony stimulating factor support. Treatment was cycled every 21 days in the outpatient setting. The first 16 patients received paclitaxel at 250 mg/m2, but because of toxicity and treatment-related deaths, the dose was reduced to 200 mg/m2. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were evaluable for response. Six patients were evaluated for toxicity after receiving only one cycle (due to toxicity or treatment-related death). Partial responses were seen in 14 patients (44%); responses occurred in 13/28 patients with adenocarcinoma (46%) and in one of four patients with squamous carcinoma (25%). Median duration of response was 3.9 months, and median survival was 6.9 months. Of twenty-five patients with dysphagia before therapy, eighteen patients (72%) had complete resolution of dysphagia, and two (8%) had partial resolution. Toxicity included grade 3/4 fatigue in 35% of patients and grade 4 neutropenia in 47% of patients. Nineteen patients (50%) required hospitalization for toxicity, and four patients (11%) died from therapy-related complications. CONCLUSION: The combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin has significant activity in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Because of hospitalization for toxicity and deaths resulting from treatment, the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin used in this trial cannot be recommended. The optimal dose and schedule of paclitaxel/cisplatin combination therapy remain to be established.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Double pylorus: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Double pylorus is a rare condition consisting of a double communication between gastric antrum and duodenal bulb; in most cases it is a complication of penetrating ulcer, sometimes it is a congenital abnormality. The prevalence of this rare anomaly ranges from 0.02% to 0.13%; the male:female ratio is about 2:1. Two cases of acquired double pylorus are reported with a review of the literature. The first case represented an occasional report; in the other one the development of double pylorus from confluent prepiloric and bulbar ulcers was documented through serial endoscopies. Both patients were affected with chronic renal failure and referred previous treatment with diclofenac; however, their relationship with double pylorus onset remains unproven.

Duodenal Diseases↗